New Awakening

The Hole

After putting both of his sons to bed (with a quick cleaning spell since they both fell asleep lying on the grass) James made his way to the drawing room while Lily got ready to sleep, most specifically the fireplace. He took a handful of floo powder and threw it on the flames yelling “Padfoot’s Place”.

He stuck his head in the cool flames and called out for his best friend.

“Padfoot? Are you there?” James called looking around the empty room.

“Coming!” He heard Sirius whisper-yell and the sound of footsteps. “Hey, Prongs.” His best mate said quietly kneeling by the fire. “How’s everyone?”

“Just put Harry and Theo to bed. They were knackered after playing tag with Prongs.” James smiled proudly.  “How’s Chara? Did you fix everything?”

“I’m trying. I guess it’s-“

“A process. Believe me, It’s not the same circumstances but I know.” James said tiredly and resignedly.

“No, James. From what you told me about Harry, I believe their situations similar at least.” Sirius ran his hand through his face.

“You’re not saying-“

“They hit her, called her names and slaved her around. They even forced her to do drugs and sold her for a drug dealer. Only she blasted the bastard away when he tried to rape her. That’s why her bitch of a mother left her here:  because she lost her most valuable source of drugs due to her daughter’s self-defensive magic.” Sirius said sitting on his knees looking worn out.

“Dear God!” James said shocked. “What has this world turned into?!”

“Right.”

“But is she alright?”

“Yeah. At least I think so. She is quiet so you never know how she’s feeling. I think she’s asleep now, was about to check on her when you called.” Sirius ran his hand through his hair.

“I won’t keep you, then. Just telling you to come for dinner tomorrow, or is it today – you know what I meant. Bring Chara, so she can meet Harry. They are the same age now.”

“Wait. How? You- You de-aged him?” Sirius asked incredulously.

“Yes. It was that or he would start Hogwarts this term and he was in no conditions to do that. Besides, we wanted to give him a proper childhood. And he agreed to it in case you are wondering.”

Sirius shrugged. “Makes sense, mate.”

“Go back to your pup, mutt. I’ll fire-call Moony now.” James said and pulled his head out of the flames and threw some more floo powder saying “Lupin’s Lair.”

Sticking his head in the fire for the second time that evening, James heard Remus and Dora (his wife and Sirius’ second cousin) talking but the room was empty.